BRUSSELS - European Union Council President António Costa stated ahead of a crucial EU summit in Brussels that the bloc must eventually engage in dialogue with Russia, though not at the present time. Speaking in an interview with TT and other European Newsroom (ENR) partners, Costa expressed confidence that Hungary would cease blocking the EU's 90-billion-euro loan package to Ukraine, despite Budapest's previous threats to the contrary.
"We must talk to Russia - but not yet," Costa said, emphasizing that any future dialogue would focus on European security and peace in Ukraine rather than energy matters. He stressed that such discussions should not interfere with current U.S.-led peace efforts.
We must talk to Russia - but not yet
The EU Council President firmly stated that decisions made at EU summits must be respected by all member states. "It would be completely unacceptable if a country backs down after we have agreed on a decision," Costa declared, directly addressing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. "What I expect from Prime Minister Orbán is that he respects what we agreed on December 18."
Costa acknowledged he could not specify how Hungary would be persuaded to lift its veto when the formal decision comes before EU ministers. However, he remained optimistic, noting that "no member state has the right not to respect what we have all decided."
It would be completely unacceptable if a country backs down after we have agreed on a decision
The upcoming Brussels summit occurs amid soaring energy prices due to conflicts involving Iran. While Hungary and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever have suggested easing energy sanctions against Russia, Costa rejected this approach, though he expressed openness to De Wever's call for initiating dialogue with Kremlin leadership at an appropriate time.
What I expect from Prime Minister Orbán is that he respects what we agreed on December 18
no member state has the right not to respect what we have all decided